Business
Business
Overview
Experience
People
News + Views + Events
Client Stories
Notable Work

Field Law’s Business Group has more than 30 lawyers dedicated to serving the diverse needs of small, mid-sized and multinational clients with interests in Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon and British Columbia.

We develop business solutions for institutions, governments, private and public companies and other organizations spanning a broad range of industries. They rely on our extensive resources and experience to help them seize opportunities and manage risk throughout their life cycles. Our service areas include:

Clients like that, as a regional firm, Field Law offers flexibility, versatility and value for their dollars. These qualities are part of our culture and allow us to understand our clients’ business and adapt to their needs, customizing our service levels and staffing structures accordingly. Our firm has also been trained in process improvement allowing us to be highly proficient in managing teams of lawyers and consultants to drive complex deals to closing. Our lawyers also concentrate on the relevant details and work hard to avoid unnecessary battles with opposing parties that ultimately increase costs and prevent the ideal result. Field Law's Business Group also regularly collaborates with the immigration team to provide one-stop service to clients with international operations or global mobility programs.

We are proud to build long-lasting relationships with clients, some of which we have helped grow over the past 100 years. We are committed to close collaboration and delivering value as we grow with them over time. This commitment ensures that we understand our clients’ needs and concerns and that each strategy is tailored to achieve their goals. Our membership of SCG Legal, a seamless global network of firms, allows Field Law to assist with projects throughout Canada and around the world.

Paralegal + Team Lead, Corporate Services
VCARD
Edmonton
dlook@fieldlaw.com
(She/Her)
Paralegal, Corporate Services
VCARD
Calgary
myulo@fieldlaw.com
March 6, 2024
Beyond Borders: An Update on Cross-Border Trust Issues
Webinar
Join Rob Worthington and Saul Abrams for Beyond Borders, a complimentary webinar series designed to provide you with invaluable insights and strategies to confidently navigate the world of cross-border tax issues. From under...
December 12, 2023
Bow Valley Business Series: Privacy + Cybersecurity 101
Lunch + Learn
As a business in the Bow Valley region, you’re no stranger to the challenges and opportunities our unique business landscape presents. Join us for a series of complimentary lunch and learns designed to help you navigate these challenges effect...
December 2023
Understanding Canada's Bill S-211: Combating Forced and Child Labour in Supply Chains
Bill S-211 mandates businesses in Canada, specifically those meeting certain criteria such as significant assets, revenue, or employee count, to annually report their efforts to prevent forced and child labour in their supply chains. T...
November 16, 2023
Bow Valley Business Series: Intellectual Property 101
Lunch + Learn
As a business in the Bow Valley region, you’re no stranger to the challenges and opportunities our unique business landscape presents. Join us for a series of complimentary lunch and learns designed to help you navigate these challenges effect...
October 26, 2023
Bow Valley Business Series: Employment 101
Lunch + Learn
As a business in the Bow Valley region, you’re no stranger to the challenges and opportunities our unique business landscape presents. Join us for a series of complimentary lunch and learns designed to help you navigate these challenges effect...
October 2023 - 2 min read
Canada's Underused Housing Tax: Implications for Foreign + Canadian Property Owners
Underused Housing Tax (“UHT”) is an annual federal tax payable by registered owners of vacant or underused housing in Canada, that took effect on January 1, 2022.  The purpose of the UHT is to tax non-Canadians who own residential prop...
October 2023 - 6 min read
Corporate Names: The Importance of Knowing Who You’re Dealing With
For small business owners, you take a serious risk if you fail to include the full corporate name on all contracts, invoices, negotiable instruments and orders for goods or services. Using a trade name by itself is not sufficient. ...
September 2023 - 6 min read
Addressing the Legal Issues Arising from the Use of AI in Canada
In September 2023, the Canadian government released new guidelines highlighting the increasing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on businesses. Intellectual property, liability, data privacy, bias, transparency, ethics, and govern...
August 2023
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2024
43 Lawyers Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 44 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
August 25, 2022
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2023
39 Lawyers Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 39 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 17th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
August 2022 - 3 min read
Do You Own a Business? You Need a Good Estate Plan
Up Here Business Magazine
Estate planning isn’t a fun topic, but it’s essential. That’s especially true for business owners, from sole proprietorships to corporations. Be sure your final plans meet your hopes and expectations for your business—for the sa...
July 2022 - 3 min read
Accessing Venture Capital: Five Practical Tips for Start-Ups
Introduction It is often exciting to embark on a new business venture which aims at providing solutions and products that could potentially "change the world". However, in the course of developing and executing a new business idea, it beco...
June 14, 2022
Selling Your Business: Legal + Financial Considerations
Webinar
Whether you're currently considering selling your business, or you want to ensure your business is in optimal shape and attractive to potential future buyers, as a business owner you should be aware of strategies that will set you up for success.Jo...
May 2022 - 3 min read
Don’t Sit Still: Is Your Company Ready to Cope with the Current Pace of Change?
Up Here Business Magazine
Inflation. Climate change. A lingering pandemic. Risk abounds for business as we reach the mid-point of 2022. Here are 10 issues business leaders should be reviewing as they prepare for the hard-to-predict months ahead. Throughout the COVID-19 pande...
March 2022
Inflation, COVID, and How it Can Impact a Small Business
Calgary Citizen
March 23, 2021
Legal + Financial Checkup for Small Businesses
Webinar
What legal issues should small and mid-sized business owners be aware of? What financial processes should be in place to support the business's health?  Join Field Law's Lyndon Thiessen and KWB Chartered Professional Accountants' Al...
February 2022 - 3 min read
Recent Corporate Battle Carries a Legal Lesson for Business
Up Here Business Magazine
The recent family feud at Rogers Communications made for great drama. But don’t overlook the issue at the heart of the dispute. It’s a reminder that business law—not corporate practices—carry the day in court. The closing mon...
February 3, 2022
Financial + Legal Checkup for Medical Practitioners
Webinar
What legal issues should medical practitioners be aware of when operating a private practice? What financial processes should be in place to support the business's health?  Join Field Law's Britt Tetz and Marc Yu and KWB Chartered Profe...
January 2022
Meet Our Newest Partners
Field Law welcomes Jill Bishop and Richard Stobbe to its partnership.Field Law is pleased to welcome Jill Bishop and Richard Stobbe as firm partners, starting January 1, 2022.“Both Richard and Jill have demonstrated leadership and commitment to e...
November 2021 - 3 min read
Back to Basics: How Mining and Indigenous Rights Work in the North
Up Here Business Magazine
Before any mining outfit can swing a geologist’s hammer, it needs to understand how Indigenous rights will shape their work. And the rules are different across the territories. That’s just the way it is, so it helps to get a little guidance...
August 2021
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2022
38 Field Lawyers Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 38 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
August 2021 - 3 min read
Can You Transfer Your Business to Your Family Tax-Free?
The capital gains exemption is not dying completely, but there is a broader way to use it now than there has been before, or likely, ever will be again. Canadian-resident individuals have long faced an unfair scenario when trying to pass along their fa...
July 2021 - 3 min read
Government Procurement: Nice Work… When You Can Get It
Up Here Business Magazine
If you have questions about government procurement, we’ve got some answers. Government spending in local communities is the backbone of economies across the north. Governments know that and they’ve developed policies to steer as much spendi...
March 2021 - 3 min read
Let’s Make a (Good) Deal: Want to Buy or Sell a Business? Remember This
Up Here Business Magazine
Congratulations! You’ve decided to acquire a brand new business or pass on the one you’ve built over the years. That’s great news but be prepared. You’re getting down to some serious brass tacks.  Here are some pointers to ...
January 2021 - 6 min read
Deception + the Honest Performance of Contracts
In 2014 the Supreme Court pronounced that good faith contractual performance is a general principle in the common law of contracts and that there is a common law duty applicable to all contracts to act honestly in the performance of obligations; B...
January 2021
Field Law Announces Five New Partners
The Firm welcomes Anthony Burden, Jason Kully, Lisa Statt Foy, Britt Tetz, and Matthew Turzansky to its partnership.Field Law is pleased to welcome Anthony Burden, Jason Kully, Lisa Statt Foy, Britt Tetz, and Matthew Turzansky as partners of the Firm. ...
January 2021 - 2 min read
Home Rule: How to Mix Corporate Governance + Social Distance
Up Here Business Magazine
The idea of gathering around a boardroom table in the era of COVID-19 seems off, given current public health advice. Still, corporate directors must continue to do their jobs—even if they must do them from their dining room tables. These five tip...
December 3, 2020
Cocktails + Counsel: Setting Your Business Up for Success in Uncertain Times
Q+A Session
Join Field Law for another edition of Cocktails + Counsel, this time co-presented with PARK. This complimentary series brings you together with a few of our lawyers for an unscripted chat about legal issues pertinent to local business owners in th...
October 2020 - 2 min read
Simple as Pie? Not Exactly
Up Here Business Magazine
Employment contracts don’t have to be difficult, but do take care. Making a new hire can be a happy time for a business. That said, it’s important to take the long view and make sure your employment contract covers the issues that are impor...
September 2020
Field Law Lawyers and Department recognized in Chambers Canada 2021 Guide
Field Law is pleased to be included in the Chambers Canada 2021 guide with two firm rankings and five lawyers ranked. Our firm rankings are: Highly Regarded, Corporate/Commercial Department in Alberta, Band 2 Employment + Labour in Alberta, Ba...
July 2020 - 4 min read
8 Tips for When the Bank Calls
It is no secret that, due to COVID-19 and the collapse in oil prices that many companies in Alberta are in financial distress.  While lenders have generally cooperated during this period, business owners are now, with good reason, anxiously dreadi...
April 22, 2020
Lay-offs vs. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Pros + Cons
What are the best options for your organization now, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic? The response to COVID-19 has resulted in a shut-down of the economy. While the operating costs for organizations have remained, revenues have dropped dramat...
April 1, 2020
UPDATE: What Does the 75% Wage Subsidy Mean for Employers?
The Government of Canada continues to announce details of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the “Subsidy”). On April 1, 2020, the following details were provided: The Subsidy is available to companies (including partnerships and sole p...
April 2020 - 3 min read
Strings Attached
Up Here Business Magazine
Ottawa has unveiled pandemic financial support. That’s good news for struggling businesses. But remember: there’s no such thing as free money. Pay close attention to your obligations before accepting the help. As you’ve likely hear...
March 31, 2020
COVID-19: Force Majeure Clauses in Business Agreements
Webinar
Learn about force majeure clauses, and why context is important in interpreting how it might apply to your commercial contracts. Presented by Cameron Hughes and Richard Stobbe, this webinar will review the concept of “frustration” of contra...
March 2020 - 4 min
The Force Majeure Hit List – 7 Things You Need to Know
The COVID-19 Pandemic has unprecedented and wide-spread impact on commercial obligations. Many business relationships are being disrupted or suspended, and many business deals are delayed or completely cancelled. The global lock-down has...
January 28, 2020
How to Protect Your Business Against Cyber Threats
In 2010 the Government of Canada “launched a national effort to defend against [cyber security] threats with Canada’s first Cyber Security Strategy”: National Cyber Security Strategy (the National Strategy). This outlines three t...
January 2020 - 3 min read
What's Your Business
Up Here Business Magazine
Entrepreneurs have options when it comes to choosing the legal structure for their business. All have advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to making your choice remember: One size does not fit all. A question I am frequently asked is, what bu...
November 29, 2019
Knowing When to “Lawyer Up”
Business in Calgary
Legal professionals offer advice to business owners on when to ask for help.
November 2019
Buzz Kill: Cannabis Branding + Packaging Restrictions in Canada
Keeping Up With Cannabis
In the excitement of Canadian cannabis legalization, many overlooked that cannabis legislation is in fact focused on controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada to achieve three objectives: Protect young pers...
October 17, 2019
Business Succession Planning Webinar
Business succession is a principal and critical component of personal succession for owners of closely held businesses. This is a long-term, complex process that must be managed with a structured approach. Presented by Rob Worthington and J.R. Mac...
May 2019
Use of Restrictive Covenants in Residential Developments
Newsletter
Restrictive covenants operate outside of – and in addition to – municipal zoning bylaws. The obligations associated with restrictive covenants “run with the land” and are binding on any future buyer of the property.Historically,...
May 23, 2019
Practical Considerations for the Investment Income Rules for Private Companies
Seminars
Canadian private companies have seen much newsworthy tax reform in recent years. Changes to the tax rules on investment income earned by Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) result in various pitfalls where there is more than $50,000 of inv...
April 2019
Amendments Made to the NWT Partnership and Business Name Act
Significant amendments have been made to the Partnership and Business Names Act (the Act), RSNWT 1988, c P-1.The amendments to the Act effect partnerships, limited partnerships, and extra-territorial partnerships. Previously, there were no renewal requ...
February 2019
Did You Sell Your Home in 2018? What You Need to Tell the CRA
Real Estate Blog
February 2019
Is it Time to Re-examine Your Corporate Structure?
Practical Considerations for the Investment Income Rules for Private Companies Canadian private companies have seen much newsworthy tax reform in recent years. One change is in the area of income sprinkling. Another major change in tax law is t...

Providing diligent and timely service on commercial financings

Background: The cyclical nature of Alberta’s resource-based economy provides unique opportunities and challenges for companies operating in the province. During the economic downtown which accompanied falling oil prices in 2015 and 2016, most companies in the oil and gas industry experienced a sharp decline in revenues. Our client, a publicly traded company and leading provider of oil and gas services throughout the province, was faced with an operating shortfall and needed financing quickly.

Field Law Service: The lawyers in our Business Law Group immediately began working to coordinate the financing, which included amendments to credit agreements with our client’s senior secured lenders. Concurrent with the financing, our Business Law Group addressed securities and corporate compliance issues. We were able to close the financing transaction in a matter of weeks and our client was able to continue its operations.

 

Teamwork and issue spotting in a high-stakes business acquisition

Our client: An entity in a highly-regulated industry, looking to acquire a business operation.

Where we began: Rick Pabst's role was to negotiate business terms with the seller. "We had a 10-page letter of intent that provided the basic framework. We had to consider the tax implications for the seller and buyer in addition to the regulatory compliance and time-line issues."

Our approach: "I was part of a team of­ tax, employment and real estate ­ in a heavily-regulated deal worth tens of millions of dollars. We had extensive due diligence and negotiations on the non-compete and purchase/sale agreements." Rick also spotted some trademark issues and helped with the financing for the acquisition. "Transactions evolve, with operational issues typically coming a bit later in the process."

The result: The acquisition is completed, and the new business is a successful addition to the client’s other businesses.

  • Acted on behalf of an oilfield services corporation, in respect of a share sale transaction with an aggregate purchase price of up to $15.3 million.
  • Acted on behalf of a corporation that acquired Alberta based oil and natural gas properties for over $13 million.
  • Acted on behalf of Divestco Inc., a TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) listed corporation, in respect of a $6.4 million asset disposition. 
  • Acted as Northern local counsel for the acquirer of a Northern based diamond mining company for over
    $500 million.
  • Assisted as special counsel on a $25 million share transaction, including rectification of corporate records through a court order of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta.
  • Assisted Platinum Communications Corporation, a TSXV telecommunications issuer, with a disposition by way of a plan of arrangement.
  • Acted on behalf of a corporation that acquired an Alberta based construction company for over $10 million.
  • Assisted a TSX-listed issuer in its unsolicited take-over bid and subsequent negotiated acquisition of its target
  • Assisted a number of public company acquisition and arrangement transactions on both the vendor and purchaser side
  • Assisted a TSX Venture-listed issuer in connection with a debt for equity exchange and subsequent acquisition
  • Assisted a TSX-listed issuer in its creation of an international joint venture for the provision of its services
  • Proxy contests and shareholder meeting matters
  • Capital reorganizations
  • Assisted both TSX-listed and TSX Venture-listed companies in connection with acquisitions and concurrent spin-outs of independent public companies
  • Assisted both public and private companies with purchase and sale, amalgamation, spin-out and arrangement transactions in transactions ranging from $1 million to $15 million
  • Provided advice respecting shareholder/partner departures and business separation matters and, in partnership with litigation counsel, advised both individuals and companies in contentious disputes regarding business dissolution and shareholder/partner exit issues
  • Assisted a public issuer in its unsolicited take-over bid and subsequent negotiated acquisition of its target
  • Assisted both public and private issuers with capital reorganizations
  • Assisted with the asset sale of a car dealership valued at over $40 million
  • Assisted with the asset purchase of a car dealership valued at over $10 million 
  • Acted as counsel for a $3 million dollar private placement of securities for a cannabis producer
  • Worked as counsel for a $2 million dollar private placement of securities for cannabis producer